Interference or not

[officialtony]

CoachJM,
Thanks for the very detailed expalantion. In reading and absorbing it I was able to understand and ultimately agree with your thinking. I do agree with those who said a firestorm would occur from one side or the other on what should be an " apparent " call of interference - whether the call was made or not. I only hope I can make the right call when this kind of event occurs and I only have a half second or second to rule. But these kinds of questions and exchanges help me to learn more each day about basic circumstances and unusual ones.
Thanks to Papa C also - for the education.

[mbyron]

Originally posted by officialtony
CoachJM,
... I do agree with those who said a firestorm would occur from one side or the other on what should be an " apparent " call of interference - whether the call was made or not....

One of the hardest things for novice umpires is to deal with the non-call. When players run into each other, non-umpires often expect a call, especially if there's any kind of injury. In the excitement and stress of the situation, it can be difficult to focus on the rules and assess whether there has been a violation.

One of the great advantages of experience is that, having seen so many situations, experienced umpires doesn't wig out when they see a train wreck. That leaves them calm and collected when the coaches come calling.

This is reason #22 for knowing the rules like the back of your hand: you can call the rule to mind, even in the heat of a weird situation.